Sub-health centre in Beerwah village neglected, locals suffer

Hokhlatri (Budgam), Aug 08: Established in late 1980s, the sub-health centre in Hokhlatri village of Budgam’s Beerwah appears to have been abandoned by the health department as it remains locked for most of the days.

The health centre caters to the people of Hokhlatri, Danas, Ramhuma, Kulhuma, Bagandar and Lasipora, but due its dysfunctionality, the villagers are being forced to visit Beerwah hospital, which is 8 kms away.

With broken window panes, the health centre has two rooms, which are padlocked and according to villagers, the center opens only once in a month.

“Even for complaints like checking blood pressure, injection and vaccination we have to visit Beerwah,” said a local, Ghulam Mohiudin.

Residents of Hokhlatri told ‘Kashmir Images’ that not even a single paramedic is available here nowadays and health centre stands abandoned.

Recalling the days when the lone health centre in area was functioning smoothly, villagers said, “During any untoward incident, paramedic staff present here would give first aid and then refer patients to other hospitals. But today we have to directly visit Beerwah”

Residents said that they have been raising the issue with concerned Block Medical Officer, but nothing was done from his side. This reporter also visited Hokhlatri village and saw health centre locked.

However, BMO Beerwah, Bashir Khan said that one health worker remains present at the sub centre for six days in a week, adding that he will also visit the center.